Yuri Bashmet

Yuri Bashmet
Name	Yuri Bashmet
Caption	Bashmet performing in 2017
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Instrument	Viola
Genre	Classical
Occupation	Violist, conductor, educator
Years active	1970s–present
Associated acts	Moscow Soloists, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

Yuri Bashmet is a world-renowned Russian violist, conductor, and educator, celebrated for elevating the viola to the status of a major solo instrument. His profound artistry and compelling stage presence have inspired numerous contemporary composers to write for him, significantly expanding the viola repertoire. As the founder and artistic director of the celebrated chamber orchestra Moscow Soloists, he has also forged a distinguished career on the podium, leading major ensembles worldwide. Bashmet's influence extends deeply into pedagogy through his professorship at the Moscow Conservatory and his international masterclasses, cementing his legacy as one of the most important figures in modern classical music.

Early life and education

He was born on January 24, 1953, in Rostov-on-Don, in the former Soviet Union. Initially studying the violin at a local music school, he switched to the viola at age 14, reportedly after being given an instrument by his grandfather. His exceptional talent was quickly recognized, leading him to continue his studies at the Moscow Conservatory Central Music School. At the conservatory itself, he became a student of the esteemed violist and professor Vadim Borisovsky, and later studied under Fyodor Druzhinin, further honing his distinctive, rich, and expressive sound. During this formative period, he won first prize at the prestigious International Viola Competition in Munich in 1976, a victory that launched his international career.

Career

Following his competition success, Bashmet embarked on a groundbreaking path as a soloist, performing with the world's leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestre de Paris. He is particularly noted for his close collaborations with composers such as Alfred Schnittke, Sofia Gubaidulina, Giya Kancheli, and John Tavener, who have all dedicated major works to him, revitalizing the modern viola concerto. In 1992, he founded the chamber orchestra Moscow Soloists, which he continues to lead as artistic director and conductor, touring extensively and recording a wide repertoire. His conducting career also includes roles as a guest conductor with ensembles like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre National de France, and he has served as the principal conductor of the State Symphony Orchestra of Russia.

Repertoire and recordings

Bashmet's repertoire is vast, encompassing core classical and romantic works by Bach, Telemann, Mozart, Berlioz, and Shostakovich, alongside a formidable array of 20th and 21st-century music. He has premiered and become the definitive interpreter of contemporary concertos by Schnittke, Gubaidulina, and Kancheli. His extensive discography, primarily on labels like Sony Classical and BMG, includes acclaimed recordings of these modern works, as well as chamber music by Brahms and Schumann, and the complete viola works of Paul Hindemith. These recordings have earned him major awards including a Grammy Award and multiple Gramophone Award nominations.

Teaching and masterclasses

Committed to nurturing the next generation, Bashmet has been a professor at the Moscow Conservatory since 1978, where he has trained many of today's leading violists. He is a frequent jury member at major international competitions, such as the International Lionel Tertis Viola Competition and the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. Annually, he organizes and leads the influential Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival in Yaroslavl and Sochi, which features performances and masterclasses. His pedagogical reach is global, with regular masterclasses at institutions like the Royal Academy of Music in London, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music, where he is known for his intense focus on sound production and musical philosophy.

Awards and honors

Bashmet has received the highest civilian honors from the Russian Federation, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland. He is a laureate of the State Prize of the Russian Federation and the prestigious Shostakovich Prize. Internationally, his recording of Britten's Lachrymae earned him a Grammy Award in 2008. Other notable recognitions include the Triumph Award for his contributions to Russian culture and the Franco Abbiati Prize from Italian music critics. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music.

Personal life

He is married to journalist and television presenter Natalya Bashmet, and they have two children. His son, Alexander Bashmet, is a pianist who often collaborates with him in concert. An avid fan of FC Spartak Moscow, Bashmet is also known for his interest in cars and photography. He maintains residences in Moscow and maintains a rigorous international touring schedule, balancing his performing, conducting, and teaching commitments. His life and career have been documented in several films and biographies, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Category:Russian violists Category:Russian conductors (music) Category:People's Artists of the USSR